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A Guide to Brake Components

August 5, 2024 / / Comments Off on A Guide to Brake Components

Your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for your safety and the overall performance of your car. Understanding the various components of your brake system can help you maintain your vehicle better and identify potential issues before they become serious problems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential brake components, their functions, and why they are vital to your vehicle’s performance.

Brake Pads

Brake pads create friction against the brake rotors to slow down or stop your vehicle. Over time, they wear down and require replacement.

When to replace:

  • When pad thickness is less than ¼ inch.
  • If you hear a high-pitched squealing or grinding noise.
  • When the brake warning light is on.
  • If the vehicle takes longer to stop.

Related: “Don’t Skid on Safety: Which Brake Pads are Right for You?”

Brake Rotors

Brake rotors work with brake pads to slow or stop your vehicle. They can wear, warp, or develop grooves.

When to replace:

  • If you feel a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal.
  • When you see deep grooves or cracks on the rotor.
  • If rotors are worn below the minimum thickness.
  • When braking performance decreases.

Brake Calipers

Brake calipers house the brake pads and pistons. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid forces the pistons to push the brake pads against the rotors. They can seize or leak, affecting braking efficiency.

When to replace:

  • If the vehicle pulls to one side during braking.
  • When you notice brake fluid leaks near the wheels.
  • If the brake pedal feels spongy.
  • When calipers show visible damage or corrosion.

Brake Lines

Brake lines transmit hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. They must be in good condition to ensure proper brake fluid flow.

When to replace:

  • If you notice brake fluid leaks under the vehicle.
  • When the brake pedal feels soft or goes to the floor.
  • If the brake warning light is on.
  • When lines show corrosion, cracks, or wear.

Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is the heart of the brake system. It converts the force from your brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is then transmitted through the brake lines to the calipers. A failing master cylinder can lead to a spongy brake pedal or loss of braking power.

When to replace:

  • If the brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor.
  • When there is a brake fluid leak near the master cylinder.
  • If the brake warning light is on.
  • When braking power is reduced.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is the lifeblood of the hydraulic brake system. It transfers the force from the brake pedal to the brake components, enabling them to function properly. It can absorb moisture, leading to corrosion and reduced efficiency.

When to replace:

  • Every 2 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • If the fluid appears dark or dirty.
  • When the brake pedal feels spongy.
  • If the brake warning light is on.

Related: “Budget-Friendly Car Care Tips for New Drivers”

Conclusion

Understanding the various components of your vehicle’s braking system can help you identify issues early and ensure that your car is always in top condition. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we are committed to providing top-notch brake services to keep you safe on the road. Whether you need a routine brake inspection, pad replacement, or a complete brake system overhaul, our experienced technicians are here to help. Contact us today at (817) 834-2725 or visit our website at mikesautospa.com to schedule an appointment. Drive safely with Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX!

Don’t Skid on Safety: Which Brake Pads are Right for You?

May 3, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Choosing suitable brake pads is essential to maintaining your car’s braking system. When it comes to your car’s brakes, having the right ones can be the difference between a smooth drive and an accident. Not all brake pads are created equal, and different types of brake pads have different benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the different kinds of brake pads and which ones are best for your car.

Related: “4 Signs It’s Time To Install New Brake Pads”

1. Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for many drivers because they are quiet, produce less dust, and are long-lasting. They are also gentle on your car’s rotors, which can help extend the life of your braking system. However, ceramic brake pads are more expensive than other brake pads, so they may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.

2. Organic Brake Pads

Organic brake pads are made of rubber, glass, and resin. They are generally less expensive than ceramic brake pads, but they don’t last as long and tend to produce more dust. If you’re looking for an affordable option and don’t mind a little extra dust, organic brake pads may be a good choice for you.

3. Metallic Brake Pads

Metallic brake pads are made of metals like copper, iron, and steel. They tend to be more durable than other types of brake pads and can handle high temperatures well. However, metallic brake pads can be noisy and produce a lot of dust, which can be a problem for some drivers.

4. Low-metallic Brake Pads

Low-metallic brake pads are a compromise between ceramic and metallic brake pads. They are made of a mix of metals and other materials, which makes them more durable than organic brake pads but less expensive than ceramic brake pads. They tend to produce less dust than metallic brake pads and are quieter but may not last as long.

Related: “Brake Maintenance Guide”

Conclusion

Whether you choose ceramic, organic, metallic, or low-metallic brake pads, ensure you’re getting high-quality brake pads designed to work with your car’s make and model. So, which type of brake pad is best for your vehicle? It depends on your driving habits, budget, and personal preferences. If you need help determining which brake pad is right, talk to a professional mechanic or a brake repair specialist like Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We can help you choose the best brake pads for your car based on your needs. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 for more information.

4 Signs It’s Time To Install New Brake Pads

June 24, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Oftentimes, brake pad maintenance is not given much thought until something goes wrong. If you’re a car owner, then avoid making this mistake, because brake pads are also an important component in your car. Try keeping them functioning properly, but if you don’t know when to replace your brake pads, no need to stress. We have listed down all the signs that you should watch out for to install new pads. 

1. Squeaking Sound from Your Brakes 

When you notice a squeaking or squealing noise coming from your brakes, it’s a sign that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. If you experience these symptoms, try to fix them as soon as possible because if you neglect and delay replacement, you will damage your rotors and increase your repair cost.

Related: “The Warning Signs of Broken Brakes”

2. Grinding Sounds

If you notice a grinding sound when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it’s an alert that your brake pads need to be replaced. Don’t ignore this and avoid waiting for the brake pads to reach the end of their useful life. Just visit a reliable brake and alignment shop and get it fixed ASAP. Because the more you delay and cause damage to your brake pads, the more you will have to pay for the repair.

3. Vibrations When Braking 

Another common sign is vibration. So, if you experience vibration when applying brakes while driving, then it’s time that you need to seek professional help and visit a reliable brake and alignment shop.

Related: “Spring Brake: Should You Check Your Brakes?”

4. Brake Fade – Longer Time to Stop Your Car

If you’re having trouble stopping your car no matter how hard you apply the brakes, then it’s an alert sign that your brakes need to be checked by professionals. This can either be due to worn-out brake pads, leakage, or low brake fluid. So, to get a better understanding, just visit an auto shop and figure out why your brakes and brake pads are not performing well.

The Bottom Line

When your brake pads show alarming symptoms, avoid neglecting them and get them replaced and fixed as soon as possible. If you want professional top-rated, affordable brake repair services or just want a quick diagnosis, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for a dedicated auto service. Visit our auto shop in Fort Worth, TX or check out our website for more information.

Regenerative Braking

June 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It’s been approximately twenty years since the first electric vehicles went mainstream and forever changed the way the world would view transportation. Consumers have found that there are countless perks to switching from a traditional gas vehicle to one that’s fully electric or even a hybrid. Besides the obvious long term benefits to our wallets and the environment, electric vehicles are much more energy efficient and simpler to maintain than traditional cars.

What is Regenerative Braking?

Did you know that electric cars use a completely different type of braking system than traditional gas vehicles do? The technology going on behind the scenes in electric braking systems is pretty incredible and can be found in electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and more! These brakes work by storing the energy that typically is lost in braking for future use. The motor of the vehicle works like a reverse generator and stores the energy until it’s next needed to accelerate.

Maintenance

Electric vehicles are praised for their minimal maintenance requirements from the fluids and the battery to the brakes. Due to the fact that much less energy and wear is put on these braking systems, regenerative brakes can last twice as long as traditional brakes. Keep in mind that the brake pads and brake fluid still need to be inspected, topped up, and changed periodically.

Conclusion

Purchasing a vehicle can be one of the largest financial commitments we make in our lives. Part of being a responsible vehicle owner are regular services and maintenance to ensure longevity and most importantly, safety. The braking system in your car is responsible for the safety of you and others, and only you are responsible for your brakes. Whether or not you have a vehicle with regenerative braking, trust the experts at Mike’s Brake and Alignment Shop for high quality brake services every time!

What Causes Vibration while Braking?

February 24, 2020 / / 0 Comments

You’re driving along and hit the brakes when you suddenly feel a shaking. It’s not an earthquake, it’s coming from your car. Feeling your entire vehicle vibrate isn’t a pleasant experience, but an experienced car mechanic will likely be able to diagnose the issue quickly.

If a car shakes while braking it’s likely one of the following issues.

Warped Brake Rotors

If the brake rotors are not perfectly flat, this can lead to vibrations. If there is enough metal present, the surface can be smoothed out with a machining lathe. Generally the entire rotor will need to be replaced and smoothed out before installing. Even when rotors are new they should be turned on a lathe as they can warp while in storage. Warped rotors are a problem that is most often seen in new cars. In order to make a car fuel efficient, manufacturers keep the car as light as possible. Instead of the thicker, much heavier brake rotors of past, newer cars have much less heavy metal as a strategy to increase its fuel economy.

Worn Brake Pads or Brake Drums

Oil and dirt on your brake pads can prevent the surface from being perfectly smooth, which is needed for clean, shake-free braking. Brake pads or brake drums can similarly be worn down so that the surface is rough and uneven. In this case the solution is similar, smooth out the surface or replace completely. Any surface irregularities will lead to car vibration. If the shaking continues for too long without being fixed, it can damage other components within the braking system. It’s much less expensive to replace a worn out part of your braking system than the entire braking system.

“Tightening the front wheel lugs with the wrong tool can lead to vibration.”

Overly Tight Front Wheel Lugs

Tightening the front wheel lugs with the wrong tool can lead to vibration. A torque wrench will allow you to tighten all wheel lugs to the same level of tension. A pneumatic wrench will not give you a consistent level of tension so it’s easy to overtighten a wheel lug which can lead to warped brake rotors.

Problems with Brake Guide Pins

The guide pin is a part of a car’s brake caliper. If they are dirty and corroded they won’t work properly. Making sure your guide pins are clean and properly lubricated will keep them functioning in peak condition.

Experiencing problems with your brakes? Contact us today to see how we can help.

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